Brian Wingate Obituary, Death – A tragic traffic accident in Burke County claimed the life of a local man on Thursday morning. Authorities confirmed that 50-year-old Brian Wingate of Waynesboro died after his pickup truck was struck by a tractor-trailer at a busy intersection.
According to the Burke County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were dispatched around 11 a.m. to the scene of a crash with reported injuries on Highway 23 near Botsford Church Road. When emergency responders arrived, they found two heavily damaged vehicles — a tractor-trailer and a pickup truck. Despite immediate aid, Wingate, the driver of the pickup, succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Preliminary findings from the investigation indicate that Wingate’s pickup truck had entered the intersection from Botsford Church Road and failed to yield at the stop sign. As his truck entered Highway 23, it was struck on the driver’s side by a southbound tractor-trailer. The impact was severe, leaving Wingate with fatal injuries.
The driver of the tractor-trailer, whose name has not been released, escaped the crash without injuries. Authorities noted that the truck driver remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators. No charges have been filed at this time, but officials emphasized that the case remains under active review.
The Burke County Sheriff’s Office issued a statement following the incident, expressing sympathy to Wingate’s loved ones. “The Burke County Sheriff’s Office extends its deepest condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Wingate during this difficult time,” the agency wrote. “Our thoughts and prayers are with them as they cope with this sudden and heartbreaking loss.”
The deadly crash has cast a shadow over the community of Waynesboro, where Wingate was well known. Friends and neighbors have expressed shock over the accident and grief at his untimely passing. Many described him as a dedicated family man whose presence will be deeply missed.
Traffic along Highway 23 was disrupted for several hours after the crash as deputies investigated the scene and cleared the roadway. The sheriff’s office, working alongside other emergency personnel, directed traffic around the site to ensure safety for other drivers until the area was cleared.
Intersections such as the one at Highway 23 and Botsford Church Road can be particularly dangerous, officials noted. Accidents at rural stop signs often occur when drivers fail to fully stop or misjudge the speed of oncoming vehicles. Authorities urged drivers to remain cautious and vigilant when entering major highways from secondary roads, stressing that a momentary lapse in attention can have devastating consequences.
Single-vehicle and intersection-related accidents are among the leading causes of fatal crashes in Georgia. According to law enforcement officials, failure to yield is a common factor, especially on highways where large commercial vehicles like tractor-trailers are frequently traveling at higher speeds.
The sheriff’s office confirmed that the investigation is ongoing. Deputies will review all available evidence, including roadway conditions, vehicle damage, and possible driver factors. While no signs of impairment have been reported, toxicology tests are standard in fatal crash cases and will be conducted as part of the process.
As the investigation continues, the community is left mourning the loss of Brian Wingate. His sudden passing highlights the unpredictable nature of roadway tragedies and serves as a reminder of the importance of strict attention to traffic signals and intersections.
The Burke County Sheriff’s Office has encouraged anyone with additional information about the accident to contact their office to aid the investigation. For now, the priority remains supporting Wingate’s family as they grieve and ensuring the causes of the crash are fully understood.
